Author: Samantha Evans Category: Health, Sexual Health
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Sex toys are great for increasing pleasure but they can benefit your sexual health as well

Studies conducted at Indiana University in USA in 2009 found that 53% of women and 45% of men aged between 18-65 years had used a vibrator. Vibrator use is associated with improved sexual function and being more proactive about sexual health.

The study linked vibrator use with positive and increased sexual function levels, desire, arousal, lubrication and orgasm for women.  And for men, higher levels of satisfaction during intercourse, improved satisfaction levels after erectile dysfunction, better orgasmic function and increased sexual desire.

The men who used vibrators reported that they were more likely to participate in sexual health checks promoting behaviours such as testicular examination and visits to male sexual health clinics.  The women who used a vibrator were more likely to have had a gynaecological examination during the last 12 months and to have performed self-examination of their genital area in the last month.

Both sexes rarely associated using a sex toy with sexual side effects unlike some drugs prescribed to treat sexual dysfunction.   

Increases your chances of having an orgasm

There are benefits in using a sex toy, a recent study found that 60% of women masturbate but it still remains a taboo subject, yet ‘self-love’ is an important part of a healthy sexual life.  Using a sex toy can increase your chances of enjoying an orgasm and the intensity of sexual pleasure too.

There are many health benefits to having an orgasm including:

  • relieving stress and pain
  • promoting a ‘feel good’ sense of well being
  • promotes sleep
  • gives you a glowing complexion
  • makes us smile more, relaxing our faces and making us appear younger too
  • boosts a flagging sex life

Having a healthy sexual relationship can make you feel good both physically and emotionally.  However, over time, sex can become boring, predictable or even non-existent.  Incorporating a sex toy can add a new dimension to your life.  Many women struggle to achieve orgasm through penetrative sex alone and find using a small clitoral stimulator can really increase their chances of having an orgasm.  According to recent statistics, nearly 60% of women own a sex toy and 75% of those who do are married.  A third of Brits say that using sex toys improve their sex life.

Can a sex toy improve some gynaecological conditions?

Some gynaecological surgical interventions can lead to postoperative scarring, causing vaginal tightness, and decreased sensation which may cause discomfort or pain during sex.  Symptoms of vaginismus, vulvodynia and physical effects of ageing through menopause can make sex feel painful too.

Using a slim vibrator and sexual lubricant can greatly improve some of these symptoms.  Using a lubricant, such as YES Organic Lubricant can nourish the delicate tissues of the vulva and vagina, making them more supple and allowing them to stretch.  Massaging a vibrator over scar tissue can help it stretch, in addition to the vibrations promoting the blood flow and speeding up the healing process.  Using a vibrator can increase stimulation and sensation.

Sex toys aren’t just for women

Men can enjoy the health benefits of sex toys too.  Many sex toys are not designed to treat erectile dysfunction.  However, some of them offer ways in which men can experience sexual pleasure, such as through vibratory stimulation.  Other products enable a man to sustain an erection suitable for coital sex, or change the way his erection feels.

Erectile dysfunction should not be ignored

Erectile dysfunction should not be ignored and you should seek medical advice from your GP if you think you may have symptoms.  Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as heart disease or diabetes.  Men are often prescribed medication to overcome erectile dysfunction but these can have side effects, making them unsuitable for some men to take.  Sex toys have very few side effects, if any at all.

Great sex without intercourse

It is a common and slowly changing misconception that ‘proper’ sex requires intercourse, but this can leave some couples feeling frustrated if they are not able to have full penetrative sex due to physical disability, post-surgery, and side effects from medication, disease or injury.  Many people give up on their sex lives when penetrative sex is no longer possible, yet incorporating sex toys into a loving relationship can allow couples to continue enjoying a more fulfilling sex life.    

For more informative articles, detailed health brochure and a comprehensive selection of sex toys visit Jo Divine

About the author
Samantha Evans is the co-founder with her husband of Jo Divine the online sex toy retailer established in 2007.  With a background in nursing, Samantha has written many articles on sexual health and pleasure for national newspapers, magazines and websites.